Consider this: Right back atcha

“The Comptroller, and his audits over the years, have actually contributed to past problems at the Thruway Authority by failing to report years of fiscal gimmicks and deferred expenses.

“This spring we conducted an independent financial review by a highly credible firm which found $800 million in risky financial borrowing that needed to be repaid immediately. ...

“The fact remains that tolls for large trucks on the Thruway — mostly long-distance haulers — are 50 to 85 percent less in New York than in comparable states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania. ...”

Thomas J. Madison, executive director of the New York State Thruway Authority, responding to Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli’s critique earlier this week of the Thruway’s proposed 45 percent toll hike for large commercial vehicles. Gov. Andrew Cuomo named Madison to the post last year. A public hearing on the proposed increase is scheduled for Friday between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. in the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in East Syracuse.